Psalm 32:6-7, The Joy of Forgiveness

Thursday, January 4

Spiritual Spaces

Over the holidays, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the activity and the social gatherings that all seem to pile up at the same time. I have finally realized that I need my alone time. When we have family and friends overnight, I will regularly retreat to my room. Just for a bit. It's not being anti-social. It's recharging. And I don't apologize for it.

We all need a place to retreat. Even extroverts. My two happy places are my kitchen and my bedroom. My kitchen is my space to create delicious expressions of love for the people who dine at my table. My bedroom is my space to recharge after a long day of working or playing with lots of people. (And I have the best cuddle dogs on the planet!) Both of these are places I can nurture my physical and emotional health.

People also need spaces to nurture their spiritual health. The psalmist recognizes this need, and reiterates God's promise to be the arms that wrap us when we are in need of spiritual retreat. Through prayer, we can become even more deeply connected to a God that warmly welcomes us when we are weary. Maybe you find your prayer place at church. Maybe it's in nature. My prayer places are my kitchen and my room. Cooking is a form of prayer for me because it nurtures my creativity and my value for hospitality. And my room is quiet and peaceful when I need to be attentive to prayer. When you've found places that nurture your physical, emotional, and spiritual health, you are doubly blessed!

Narrative Lectionary Text: Psalm 32:6-7

Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.

You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah